($54): Merry Edwards has a reputation for bottling Pinot Noir from several individual vineyards within the Russian River Valley.  Tasting them side-by-side validates her judgment that the wines are different and deserve their separate designations.  These single vineyard wines reflect inherent differences in the vineyards (aka terroir) and bottling them separately has great merit because it shows the wonderful diversity of the Russian River Valley.  It is not a marketing ploy.  The Pinot Noir from the Flax Vineyard has more savory elements and less apparent oak at this stage.  The tannins are more prominent, but the wine is still balanced and well proportioned.   It’s a longer, more layered wine, still with a luxurious texture.  The Flax vineyard bottling needs a few years in the cellar to allow its glory to shine.
93 Michael Apstein May 6, 2014